The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to raise the salary of the lowest-paid worker to N300,000 monthly. This demand is part of a broader push to improve workers' purchasing power and cushion the effects of rising expenditure on basic needs. The TUC stated its position in a statement issued by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro.
The TUC rejected a proposed N70,000 wage award, citing the Federal Government's failure to fulfil its obligations under the 2023 wage award arrangement. The congress accused the government of delaying the implementation of an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure. This has led to concerns about the government's commitment to improving workers' welfare.
According to the TUC, it had formally approached the Federal Government through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, seeking an immediate review of workers' salaries in response to deteriorating economic conditions. The labour body argued that the government could increase salaries without waiting for negotiations on the national minimum wage.
The TUC proposed that the monthly salary of the lowest-paid worker be increased from the current N70,000 to N300,000, with corresponding adjustments made to other salary grades. The congress maintained that negotiations over the national minimum wage remained necessary, but they should not prevent the government from introducing immediate pay increases to ease financial pressure on workers.
The TUC said its leadership had held consultations with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during which it communicated its opposition to the proposed wage award. The congress explained that its rejection was informed partly by the government's record in implementing the previous wage award negotiated with organised labour in October 2023.
The TUC alleged that the 2023 wage award was never fully implemented across the workforce, with some workers still owed one or two months of the allowance. The congress claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector had not benefited from any form of wage award, raising concerns about the reach and effectiveness of the proposed relief.
Beyond its demand for higher salaries, the TUC called on the federal, state and local governments to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services and improve the financial circumstances of workers and pensioners. The congress urged the authorities to ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs and address exploitative labour practices.
Key points
- The TUC demands a N300,000 monthly salary for the lowest-paid worker.
- The congress rejects the proposed N70,000 wage award due to the government's failure to implement previous agreements.
- The TUC calls for practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services and improve workers' financial circumstances.
